Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz seems to be enjoying a smashing start as president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
A new roadmap – Tangkis 30 – structural reforms, and a reminder for BAM members to understand their roles are among his early moves. A retreat with state BA presidents would be the perfect platform for him to explain why BAM must evolve. It is here that he can stress that the real perks of being president are in promoting the sport, not globe-trotting.
BAM cannot cling to old doctrines. Only after the Lee Zii Jia saga in 2022 did the body ease its hostility towards independent shuttlers. History shows this is nothing new. In the 90s, Datuk Rashid Sidek – who criticised Lee – quit BAM for Nusa Mahsuri. Roslin Hashim followed suit.
Perhaps it is time for a hybrid system – one that benefits athletes, sponsors and BAM. Think of how e-hailing shook up the taxi industry. Companies do not own drivers or cars but provide opportunities. Today, they dominate public transport worldwide.
Still, Tengku Zafrul and his team must overcome hurdles. One pressing matter is getting BAM’s internal house in order.
BAM is among the best-governed sports bodies in Malaysia. Yet, questions remain over Yayasan BAM – its activities and bank accounts, if any, are unclear. Yayasan BAM should instead become BAM’s welfare arm, providing education opportunities for young shuttlers and support for ex-players.
Unlike others, Tengku Zafrul can push change from a position of comfort. He never sought the BAM presidency. As Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, he has bigger responsibilities – negotiating with Washington over US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, ensuring Malaysia’s trade stays resilient despite geopolitical tensions, and plotting his next move as his senatorship ends in December.
Some even joke that he should be ‘Menteri Hal Ehwal Raja-Raja’, given his close ties with the royals.
Politically, his track record is poor. He lost Kuala Selangor in the 15th General Election to Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad, who polled 31,033 votes to his 30,031. Yet, the political novice has survived regime changes, serving as minister under Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Tengku Zafrul’s move from Umno to PKR has caused discontent among members of both parties.
Now parachuted into Ampang, Tengku Zafrul could contest either a parliamentary or state seat. It will not be easy. He lacks grassroots backing and is seen as a poster boy for the elites. Voters in Ampang are tired of parachuted candidates – like the current MP Rodziah Ismail – who has delivered little.
Still, Ampang may gain from his BAM role if he brings a badminton event or two to the constituency.
Reforming BAM will be simpler. If Tengku Zafrul is ousted after one term (2025-2029), it would only show that BAM’s executive council fears change. Point to Tengku Zafrul.
If he is re-elected – another point to Tengku Zafrul.
BAM must adopt, adapt, and evolve. It cannot take its role as a medal supplier at major events, including the Olympics, for granted. Grassroots development is vital. The talent pool must be widened. States and academies must be part of the effort.
Change is inevitable – in badminton and in politics. Tengku Zafrul may be the shake-up Malaysian badminton needs. Whether he is the change Ampang wants is another matter.
